LiberatED Podcast
Kerry McDonald
The LiberatED Podcast tells the stories of the entrepreneurial parents and teachers who are creating innovative K-12 learning options across the US and expanding education options for families.
This twice-weekly podcast is hosted by Kerry McDonald, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and leader of the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. A regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74, Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the forthcoming book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter at edentrepreneur.org.
This twice-weekly podcast is hosted by Kerry McDonald, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and leader of the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. A regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74, Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the forthcoming book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter at edentrepreneur.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 27, 2024 • 20min
A university researcher explains why homeschooling numbers continue to grow
Collin Hitt, a homeschooling dad and Executive Director at the PRIME Center, dives into the booming trend of homeschooling, especially in Missouri, where 1 in 16 kids are now taught at home. He discusses shifting perceptions post-pandemic, the flexibility families seek, and the challenges in gathering accurate data. Hitt also explores the evolving relationship between homeschooling and public education, including the need for schools to adapt. Finally, he hints at the future of education policies that support homeschooling, a likely permanent fixture for many families.
Dec 24, 2024 • 45min
An online microschool for homeschooled teens and tweens
Luba Vangelova, founder of The Hub, shares her journey from systems engineering and journalism to pioneering a part-time online microschool for homeschooled teens. She discusses the power of curiosity and collaboration in education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on projects. Luba reveals how her initial vision evolved during the pandemic, transitioning to an online format that fosters community and connection. She highlights the challenges and rewards of creating an engaging learning environment, showcasing the transformative potential of alternative education.
Dec 20, 2024 • 39min
A Homeschool Mom Founded Above Reproach Academy, Now Serving 100+ Learners
Kimberly Amee is a homeschool mom and former teacher who in 2021 founded Above Reproach Academy, a private umbrella school, homeschool co-op, and educational resource center located in Spring Hill, Florida that now serves over 100 learners. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Dec 17, 2024 • 30min
Founder Ar’Jillian Gilmer on the journey from Arkansas public school teacher to education entrepreneur
Ar'Jillian Gilmer is the founder of Gilmer's Learning Solutions, a tutoring center and microschool in Little Rock, Arkansas. A public school teacher for nearly a decade, Ar'Jillian felt the pull towards education entrepreneurship and creating innovative learning options for local children. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Dec 13, 2024 • 39min
Investing in entrepreneurs, with 1517's Danielle Strachman
Danielle Strachman is the cofounder and general partner of the 1517 Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund and community supporting college dropouts and tech-focused scientists working on entrepreneurial solutions to big problems. Danielle has worked with young entrepreneurs for over a decade, including during the founding in 2010 of the Thiel Fellowship, a program started by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel to provide funding to ambitious young people who opted out of college in favor of entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to that, Danielle was an education entrepreneur! She founded and directed Innovations Academy in San Diego, a K-8 charter school serving 400 students, with a focus on student-led, project based learning and other alternative programs. Read more about 1517 at Substack. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Dec 10, 2024 • 37min
Why a former public school teacher launched an Acton Academy
Kristy Moody, cofounder of Acton Academy Palm Harbor, discusses her transformation from public school teacher to innovator in learner-driven education. She shares the challenges she faced launching her school and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of personalized education, including practical literacy strategies, and the impact of Florida's universal school choice funding. Additionally, Kristy reveals inspiring stories of student transformations and offers advice for aspiring educational founders.
Dec 6, 2024 • 49min
The National Association of Black Microschool Leaders
Nicole Stewart is the founder and president of the National Association of Black Microschool Leaders, as well as the founder of Legacy Prep Collegiate Microschool which opened this fall in Lakeland, Florida. A public school teacher for 18 years, Nicole is finding deep fulfillment in education entrepreneurship, with plans to open more Legacy Prep microschools while helping other founders get their schools off the ground. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Dec 3, 2024 • 31min
Nance Confer on founding Florida Unschoolers
Nance Confer is the founder and director of Florida Unschoolers. Launched in 2001, Florida Unschoolers is a tuition-free, private "umbrella" school for nearly 14,000 Florida unschoolers and homeschoolers. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Nov 28, 2024 • 1min
Thankful for entrepreneurial parents & teachers
Happy Thanksgiving! *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Nov 26, 2024 • 33min
Youth entrepreneurship & empowerment with Kidvation
Kidvation Global is a nonprofit focused on administering programs that connect young people worldwide to create innovative, entrepreneurial solutions for present-day issues. Founded in 2022 by Harold Lee and Brent Wheelbarger, Kidvation has worked with over 2,500 students, including microschoolers and others learning in unconventional educational environments. Read more about Kidvation in this recent FEE.org article. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
